If an XC 70 series and you want used, you'll want avoid the years with the FWD trans-axle output to the drive shaft problem that connects to the AWD system.

There exists procedure to remove the AWD drive-shaft and remove the rear axle differential. I've read articles where XC-Volvo owners return to the stealership for the AWD system repair using OEM parts only to have it fail again in 2 years or so. Read some Volvo auto model articles on both iPdusa.com and fcpgroton.com.

fcpgroton.com had a newsletter article on how to remove the AWD drive-shaft recently as a cheap alternative to repairing a fallible gear assembly and other issues.

As you are handy, yet not up to inspecting the FWD constant velocity (CV) protective boots and CV joints inside and repacking with fresh grease every 35-50k, and replace the timing belt ever 100k or so, please see:
- https://www.brickboard.com/SHOPS/
- http://www.volvomechanics.com/
- http://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files

Check the BBB and research, with a huge salt grain, the the opinion sites for anecdotal information indicating service quality and trustworthiness of a repair facility.

You may want to stick with a FWD-only Volvo.

As for the 940, well, at 165k, you may have wear items to replace as with a 240. They are the same engine, yet the 1993 four-cylinder turbo should be fine if the prior owners have cared for it and can present records. I'd prefer the normally-aspired (non-turbo) 940.

Uncle dinomartino is correct. The 940 is a larger, most importantly wider body auto. So you have more comfort. You also have a host of luxury items like power seats that can go askew, yet research the brickboard should you have a problem and you'll find probably diagnostic help and solutions.

If the 940 comes with the independent rear suspension, please keep in mind at 165k you may have some rear suspension and the auto-leveling rear shocks to replace. (Some suggestions do exist as to performance rear shocks to replace the auto-height shocks. If you do, you may want a heftier rear spring.)

Read the 700/900 FAQ. The 1993 940 may an OBD-1 equipped car, so you can check for fault codes across all reporting systems before you buy so you know what you're getting into. Please see:
- https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/EngineOBDCodes.htm
- Buying a Used Volvo 700/900?
https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/BuyingUsed7xx.htm
https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/HighMileageVehiclePrevMaint.htm
https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/

Consider the 940 a 240, evolved. Yet beset with issues both like that of the 240 and endemic to the 940 series.

Research the matter, check the OBD on the 940 you may want to buy, so you can fully cost out what liabilities you may own beyond the purchase, licensing, and insurance costs.

240 parts are not hard to come buy. If a piece of interior or exterior trim, as you read in many brickboard comments, the self-service Volvo 240/260 equipped salvage yard can be a economical used parts resource. You can find parts salvage yard parts for your 240 from 700/900 series.

Tasca Volvo (www.tascavolvo.com)in Cranston, RI can provide you with quality OEM Volvo factory parts for far less than any NYC Volvo stealership even with shipping from RI. UPS ground should arrive to you in a day or two if you need a thing.

Also, FCP Groton (www.fcpgroton.com) in Groton, CT (home of Pfizer's big fat global data center and the U.S. Navy base) has parts for you, yet you must verify the parts are not made in China. Avoid Meyle, for example. You want new front shocks for your 240? Get front Bilstein Touring. (Bilstein HDs won't fit.) Or have your chosen service facility do the work, yet you direct where the parts come from.

Some of us will get into the rear wheel bearings in the home garage on a Volvo as they need to be inspected and repacked with fresh grease every 150k or so, just like the 940 series. You have your mechanic to do that for you, so, well, there you go.

How are your 240 big square headlights? Can you place your finger under the center bottom edge and pull up on the lens without moving the rest of the assembly? The adhesive securing the lens to the reflector body has failed. You can buy new or clean, remove old grey brittle glue, and reglue the lens to the reflector using something like Goop Marine or RV (one of the UV-resistance Goop glues). May need to reglue the bottom metal reflector strip to the lens bottom, too.

My vote, the 940 first, with caveats. A FWD, and not an XC or AWD equipped, Volvo over the years of problematic AWD XC-model Volvos. Maybe the newest XC-models are less problematic. You can research that.

You may want to ask the www.brickboard.com/FWD forum for more info on what FWD and AWD Volvo models may suit your needs.

Questions?

Hope that helps.

Hot and Stuffy MacDuff, Hatin' Summertime.
--
Kitty and / or Volvo meme LOLz, NOW! (Cause I don't has original funny expreshunz like Uncle Art B. at the end of each of my posts.)